- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Cheapest price
$256
Average price
$360
Fastest journey
10 h 31 m
Average duration
11 h 57 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
468 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Syracuse, NY to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Syracuse, NY to Washington, DC will cost around $360 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $256.
It's difficult to get from Syracuse, NY to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
64 Maple Leaf · 65 Northeast Regional
280 Empire Service · 97 Silver Meteor
280 Empire Service · 87 Northeast Regional
280 Empire Service · 161 Northeast Regional
280 Empire Service · 19 Crescent
280 Empire Service · 161 Northeast Regional
280 Empire Service · 19 Crescent
280 Empire Service · 97 Silver Meteor
280 Empire Service · 87 Northeast Regional
64 Maple Leaf · 65 Northeast RegionalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Syracuse, NY to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $71. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $71, and a flight costs an average of $123.
Distance: 290 miles (468 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$195 Average price | $121 Average price Cheapest | $334 Average price | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 39m Average total duration 10h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 18m Average total duration 9h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Syracuse, NY to Washington, DC:
A bus is $75 (€61) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Syracuse, NY to Washington, DC costing on average $195 (€161).
A bus is $214 (€176) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Syracuse, NY to Washington, DC costing on average $334 (€275).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 48m.
Train takes on average 10h 9m.
Tickets start at around $195 (€161) compared to roughly $74 (€61) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-121.34 (€-99.78). The journey takes 10h 9m versus 6h 12m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Syracuse, NY to Washington, DC trains for today, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
280 Empire Service · 19 Crescent | 7:02 AM Syracuse Station, Syracuse, NY | 10h45 | 5:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
280 Empire Service+ 2159 NextGen Acela | 7:02 AM Syracuse Station, Syracuse, NY | 8h58 | 4:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
284 Empire Service+ 2255 NextGen Acela | 9:55 AM Syracuse Station, Syracuse, NY | 28h29 | 2:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Syracuse, NY to Washington, DC run on average 8 times per day, taking around 10h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $85 (€70) but you can travel from only $71 (€58) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 290 miles (468 km) distance in 10h 14m.
Distance 290 miles (468 km) |
Average train duration 10h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $85 (€70) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 10h 14m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Flagship Smithsonian museum covering aviation and spaceflight, with iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and major interactive exhibits.
Premier art museum with strong collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s grand ceremonial park lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and iconic government buildings.
Historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, waterfront walks, rowhouses, and some of Washington’s most photogenic corners.
Scenic waterside loop famous for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials, especially popular for sunrise and spring visits.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually smoky and spicy, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken wings and fries. It is a local comfort-food staple.
Steamed or picked blue crab from the nearby Chesapeake region is deeply tied to local food traditions. It is especially popular in warmer months.
Celebrated upscale restaurant with creative small plates and a warm, energetic atmosphere. It is one of Washington’s best-known modern dining destinations.
A classic, long-running Washington institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and traditional American fare in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Bustling brasserie known for polished French classics, strong brunch, and a stylish dining room that is popular with both locals and visitors.
Prices are high for hotels and dining, especially downtown. Free museums help balance daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Official public transport app
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Syracuse, NY to Washington, DC by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Syracuse, NY to Washington, DC trains use the Syracuse Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Syracuse, NY and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Syracuse Station is 3 km from Syracuse city centre. Public transport options include:
Syracuse Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, The Mission Restaurant
Ticket office support is available at Syracuse Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Syracuse Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Syracuse Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Syracuse Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Syracuse Station.
Nearby hotels include Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse, Comfort Inn & Suites Airport, Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites.
New York State Fair is 7 km from Syracuse city centre. Public transport options include:
New York State Fair has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at New York State Fair.
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Shake Shack, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Chopt Creative Salad Co., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Thunder Grill, Johnny Rockets, Jamba Juice, Ladurée Union Station, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need